The lowering of the flag to half-staff, or half-mast, is a sign of mourning. When flown in this manner, it symbolizes respect, grief, or distress in response to a death or tragedy. The practice is a visual representation of loss and a means of honoring those who have passed or events that have caused significant hardship.
This practice holds considerable importance as a unifying symbol of collective sorrow. It provides a tangible way for a community or a nation to express shared feelings and acknowledge the gravity of a situation. Historically, the practice has been used to mark the deaths of prominent figures, significant national tragedies, or to commemorate specific dates of remembrance.